PLENTY of losses off the field but none on it in the Premier League. That’s the fascinating tale of two Cities.

A debt mountain but, when it comes to the action, on top of football’s summit, these are indeed heady times for those of a sky blue persuasion.

Before the game City fans had been forced to devour news that the club had reported a debt of £194.9million over the past financial year.

What appeared more serious was the announcement at half-time that there were no chips. Surely the club can afford a proper fryer?

At least on the pitch there are no signs of a malfunction as boss Roberto Mancini’s side strive to relocate the title across the city from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium.

After this sizzling affair, in which Newcastle had their chips in three mad minutes before half-time, City are now the league’s only unbeaten side. Fifteen league games unconquered has equalled a top flight club record.

told the guys before the game it would be difficult but we had lots of possession, scored three goals, but in some moments we were lucky. I hope we can continue like this because there will be a time when we will lose a game

Roberto Mancini

But the Toon shouldn’t be deflated even though the thought of a trip to Manchester United on Saturday is a bit like facing Joe Frazier after George Foreman.

Lesser mortals might have felt punch-drunk after this experience but a 14-game unbeaten league record only ended after boss Alan Pardew’s committed side created their own moments of danger.

While City displayed a ruthless streak – two of the goals coming from penalties – Newcastle ultimately paid the price for squandering a collection of clear openings.

Mancini admitted: “I told the guys before the game it would be difficult but we had lots of possession, scored three goals, but in some moments we were lucky. I hope we can continue like this because there will be a time when we will lose a game.”

Snapping at City’s heels like hungry Jack Russell terriers, Newcastle had started in the knowledge that only a super shift would produce any reward on an afternoon where their resilience would be tested to the limits.

The understanding of the same defence which had stood side by side in every league game this season ensured City would have to produce their own sweat to maintain their exciting start.

The Premier League’s most potent strikeforce took time to activate, Sergio Aguero turning sharply on Yaya Toure’s through-pass to fire over the bar, sparking a period of City pressure midway through the first half.

Micah Richards saw a header scrambled clear while Tim Krul turned a bullet header from Mario Balotelli following James Milner’s decisive cross over the woodwork.

Cruelly, Newcastle’s afternoon was to take a turn for the worse after carving out two decent chances which should have been taken, Demba Ba the offender.

First the impressive Hatem Ben Arfa, back at the ground where a shattered leg ended his season 13 months ago, played-in Ba but the execution lacked conviction and Joe Hart was able to scramble and claw around the post.

Ba was also culpable when a Yohan Cabaye corner picked the gangly striker out only for a weak header to glance wide.

How Newcastle suffered – at the double – Ryan Taylor enduring a horrific three minutes for City to explode into an unexpected two-goal lead just before the break.

First an outstretched hand illegally blocked Yaya Toure’s thunderbolt in a packed Newcastle box, enabling Balotelli to roll in the spot kick with impudent ease.

Then, with his head clearly still in a spin, a half-hearted challenge on Richards – looking to capitalise on some slick City passing, with Aguero the final provider – let in the full-back whose finish was too good for Krul.

Newcastle, though, had a clutch of chances to eat away at City’s lead, Ben Arfa galloping into the box before striking the post and Danny Guthrie forcing Hart into a fine stop.

A rash challenge by Ben Arfa on the marauding Richards saw Aguero on the scoresheet, sliding home the penalty after Balotelli had been substituted to a standing ovation.

No one could begrudge Newcastle a late goal from Dan Gosling on an afternoon which proves that, with some astute spending in January, the Geordies could be extending their stay in the top half of the league table.

Pardew said: “I was frustrated at the end because I felt nothing had gone for us.

“I make no bones about it, they are the best team we have played this season by some distance.”